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Updated September 2023
Umrah is one of the important pilgrimages that Muslims may perform at any time during the year in Saudi Arabia. This pilgrimage is a part of the grand pilgrimage, Hajj, which is performed annually.
We’ve gathered all the important information that you need to perform Umrah from India in this article. Read further to find out.
Table of Contents
Umrah from India 2023 news
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has made an announcement stating that the final day for issuing permits for performing Umrah this season is on the 15th of Dhul Qadah, which corresponds to June 4. This decision has been made in order to make necessary arrangements for the arrival of Hajj pilgrims, who are scheduled to start arriving in Saudi Arabia on Sunday.
The ministry emphasized that the Umrah visa does not grant permission for pilgrims to perform Hajj. All pilgrims holding Umrah visas must depart by the 20th of Dhul Qadah, which corresponds to June 18.
Please note: The Umrah visa does not allow the pilgrim to perform Hajj.#Makkah_and_Madinah_Eagerly_Await_You pic.twitter.com/ETCJla31lH
— Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (@MoHU_En) May 21, 2023
Can Indians perform Umrah in 2023?
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has reopened Umrah visa applications following a successful Hajj season. Umrah seekers from India and all over the world are now allowed to apply for the pilgrimage.
Recently, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah allowed women aged 18 to 65 to perform Umrah without a male guardian or “mahram”, but on the condition that they are a part of a group. They are also required to be vaccinated for one dose (partially vaccinated) and free of any diseases.
Pilgrims should perform Umrah only once in the season so that others too get the chance to perform the holy ritual. They should book their Umrah slots online through the Nusuk or Tawakkalna apps. Once booked, pilgrims must stick to the date and time of their appointment.
Moreover, religious tourists have been allowed to arrive and depart on scheduled flights through any international airport in the kingdom.
Book cheap flights to Saudi Arabia now
When is the best time for Umrah 2023?
Many Muslims prefer to perform Umrah during Ramadan. Especially since the holy month itself is believed to be a time when the Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad SAW, thus, Ramadan is marked as a month full of blessings. That is why all good deeds are encouraged during Ramadan, including Umrah.
However, visiting Umrah during Ramadan can be a little bit expensive since the cost of the Umrah package is expected to rise during Ramadan, especially on the last 10 days of Ramadan since people want to spend the last days of Ramadan in the holy cities of Makkah and Medina. A significant rise in cost has been reported for Umrah packages from Umrah operators in Saudi Arabia from SAR 110 to SAR 200.
The same case will likely occur for Umrah operators in India as well, considering Saudi Arabia now has established the Value Added Tax (VAT) to 15%, foreign exchange rate and other aspects would make the cost of Umrah packages rise.
Umrah visa
Recently, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that pilgrims coming from the UK, Tunisia, Kuwait, Bangladesh, and Malaysia can now register for a visa by submitting their facial and fingerprint details through a smartphone app called the Saudi Visa Bio app. Procedures for issuing Umrah visas electronically will be completed based on biometric details before a pilgrim’s arrival in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
Applicants can now scan their passports to confirm their identity, then submit a full-face picture from the front camera and scan their fingerprints.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia has also extended the validity of the Umrah visa from 30 days to 90 days. This new arrangement allows pilgrims to move about freely within Saudi Arabia without any restraints.
Pilgrims also do not need another tourist visa to travel across the kingdom and can move easily between Makkah and Madinah, or any other city around the kingdom, by train, bus or car during their stay.
As per the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, pilgrims are encouraged to contact an approved tourism company or agency in their country of residence to obtain the service package, complete the visa requirements, and book an appointment for Umrah and prayer in the Ar-Rawdhah Ash-Shareefah.
Furthermore, when entering Saudi Arabia from India, pilgrims must register on the Nusuk Application. With Nusuk, travellers can easily organize their entire visit, from applying for an eVisa to booking hotels and flights, through the following steps:
- click “Apply for Visa”
- enter your nationality as “India”
- answer accordingly for “Are you a US, UK or EU permanent resident or a US, UK or Schengen visa holder” and “Are you a GCC resident?”
- if you answered yes, click “Visa through Package”
- if you answered no, click “View Package Providers”
Nusuk’s features to select Umrah Package providers allow you to choose travel agencies and professionals to obtain visas, manage itineraries, curate trips and enjoy preferential rates on a wide variety of experiences.
Personal Visit Visa for Umrah
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Saudi Arabia has recently announced that pilgrims, including those from India, can go to the Kingdom to perform Umrah with the “Personal Visit Visa” as long as they get an invitation from Saudi friends.
The benefits of the personal visa are the following:
- apply for several guests at the same time
- enter Saudi Arabia once or multiple times
- can be issued for one or multiple trips
- perform Umrah and visit the Prophet’s mosque
- visit religious sites and historical monuments
- touristic trips to all Saudi regions and cities
Please note that the Saudi Arabia single entry personal visa is valid for 90 days, and the visitors can stay for 90 days. However, the multiple entry visa is valid for 365 days with a 90-day stay.
Can I perform Umrah using a tourist visa?
Normally, yes, you can. Everyone visiting Saudi Arabia on a tourist visa may obtain an Umrah permit by applying through the Nusuk app. However, since India does not qualify to apply for the Saudi e-Visa, the residents of India who wish to perform Umrah in the KSA should apply for the visa at the nearest Saudi Arabia Embassy in their country.
Performing Umrah on a tourist visa does offer its own advantages, such as a longer stay period, permission for multiple entries, and the freedom to choose your own hotel for Umrah.
Umrah permit
The Nusuk application (available on iPhone, Android, and Huawei) has replaced Eatmarna and Tawakkalna apps to obtain the Umrah permit.
Nusuk offers all pilgrims and visitors easy-to-use planning, a gateway for their journeys to Makkah and Madinah. This e-platform aims to enhance the experience of Muslims visiting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from all over the world and facilitate the arrival procedures for visitors to perform Umrah.
Umrah visa validity
Once the Umrah permit is granted, pilgrims are allowed to stay for up to 90 days. They are free to visit any Saudi region within the staying period.
Muqeem arrival registration for Umrah pilgrims
Your vaccination status will first need to be registered on Saudi Arabia’s Muqeem portal at least 72 hours before departure to the Kingdom. Since Umrah pilgrims are categorized as short-term visitors, you would first need to register your arrival and vaccine certificate here.
For details on how you can register yourself on the arrival registration platform, please refer to our dedicated article.
Umrah COVID-19 requirements for 2023
Testing
All foreign pilgrims are now allowed to enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah without having to provide a negative PCR or rapid antigen test result before departure to the Kingdom. Additionally, travellers arriving on visit visas must have medical insurance to cover any COVID-19-related treatment costs during their stay.
Vaccination
While Saudi Arabia has lifted most COVID-19-related restrictions, pilgrims looking to perform the Umrah are required to present proof of vaccination upon their arrival at the Kingdom. Approved vaccines are Moderna, Pfizer/BioNTech, Janssen and Oxford/AstraZeneca.
For holders of Umrah visas vaccinated with vaccines other than the ones mentioned above, quarantine may be mandatory.
Apart from the COVID vaccine, there are a few more vaccine requirements that foreign pilgrims may have to pay attention to before their arrival in Saudi Arabia, including the Yellow Fever vaccine, Meningococcal Meningitis vaccine, Polio vaccine and the Seasonal Flu Shot
Quarantine
In line with Saudi Arabia’s latest Umrah entry requirements, no quarantine will be necessary for Indian pilgrims fully vaccinated with Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, and Janssen.
However, those who have had one dose of the Covaxin, Sinopharm or Sinovac vaccine will be subject to institutional quarantine for 3 days and must submit a PCR test certificate after 48 hours from the date of institutional quarantine.
Umrah requirements for women’s attire
Women pilgrims are allowed to wear clothing based on their preferences. However, the Saudi authorities have set certain requirements regarding women’s attire that must be followed. During the pilgrims, women had to wear wide and loose clothing that covered their entire body. Furthermore, any decorative elements in the clothes are not allowed. As long as these conditions are fulfilled, there are no further restrictions regarding the attire for women.
Best hotels for Umrah in 2023
Here are our top picks of hotels in Makkah and Madinah that you can book to ensure suitable accommodation:
Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency
© hyatt.com
Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency is situated at the heart of the holy city of Makkah; the hotel is just a one-minute walk to Al-Masjid Al-Haram. You can expect luxurious, relaxing, spacious suites and an elegant atmosphere. It is easily accessible by road and has seamless connectivity to and from Jeddah and King Abdulaziz International Airport.
Rating: 5*
Distance to Masjid al-Haram: less than 1 kilometer/1-minute walk
Prices start from 7,735 INR per night.
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Conrad Makkah
© hilton.com
Conrad Makkah is just a 5 minutes walk by road to the Kaaba and the Holy Mosque. The hotel offers spacious and modern rooms, complimentary WiFi, a car hire facility and a 24-hour front desk and gift shop facility. King Abdulaziz International Airport is also easily accessible and is located 47 minutes away from this destination.
Rating: 5*
Distance to Masjid al-Haram: less than 1 kilometer/5-minute walk
Price starts from 11,311 INR per night.
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Makkah Towers
© makkah-hnt.com
Another hotel located in proximity to the Holy Haram, the 5-star Makkah Towers, has the most spacious and convenient rooms with a spectacular view. Getting here from King Abdul Aziz International Airport is very convenient – and only one hour away by road.
Rating: 5*
Distance to Masjid al-Haram: less than 1 kilometer/2-minute walk
Prices start from 9,486 INR per night.
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Crowne Plaza Madinah
The hotel is in proximity to Masjid al-Nabawi and Holy Rawdah. Pilgrims can walk or take a free shuttle directly to the entrances of the Prophet’s Holy Mosque. The hotel concierge can help with suggestions on restaurants, markets and shopping malls in nearby areas in Madinah.
Rating: 5*
Distance to Prophet’s Holy Mosque: 1.1 kilometer/6-minute walk
Prices start from 13,398 INR per night.
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Madinah Hilton
© hilton.com
Madinah Hilton is a two-minute walk from the Masjid al-Nabawi and Holy Rawdah. It is located at a 25 minutes distance from the airport and has shops, 2 restaurants and 1 café. The hotel also provides a range of kids’ amenities upon request.
Rating: 5*
Distance to Prophet’s Holy Mosque: 2.5 kilometre/16-minute walk
Prices start from 17,971 INR per night.
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Note: Hotel and accommodation prices are accurate at the time of writing.
Umrah 2023 packages in India
The government of Saudi Arabia recommends that you enlist the assistance of an approved travel agent in your country to obtain your Umrah visa. Furthermore, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced the possibility for international Umrah seekers to plan their own itineraries electronically through approved platforms. You can find the list of approved platforms on https://maqam.gds.haj.gov.sa/Home/OTAs
You can also choose to book your package from your cities, such as Bengaluru, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Delhi, Lucknow, and Mumbai. The Umrah packages are for 15 days and 14/13 nights, ranging from INR 98000 to INR 108000.
All packages include the Umrah visa, airfares, accommodation, 3 meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), and transportation.
According to the latest announcement, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has now dropped Umrah insurance costs by 63 percent. Hence, the price of Umrah medical insurance has been reduced from SAR 235 to SAR 87.
You can also book through the other approved travel agents in your cities below:
Ahmedabad
Tawaf Tours and Travels
Phone number: 0091 79 25508104
E-mail: [email protected]
Uveis Tours & Travels
Phone number: 00919727711844
E-mail: [email protected]
Saudi Haj Travels
Phone number: 9376707003
E-mail: [email protected]
Rajasthan Haj Umrah Tours
Phone number: 00917925395035
E-mail: [email protected]
Inter Air Travels
Phone number: 9723791300
E-mail: [email protected]
Bangalore
Baitul Haram International Tours and Travels
Phone number: 09986755507
E-mail: [email protected]
Round The World Travel and Tours
Phone number: 8197995777
E-mail: [email protected]
Makkah Tours & Travel
Phone number: 00919967077577
E-mail: [email protected]
Al Aamiri Travels Services
Phone number: 9888832222
E-mail: [email protected]
Shifana Travels Private Limited
Phone number: 00918095845151
E-mail: [email protected]
Baitul Haram Hajj Service
Phone number: 00919845309493
E-mail: [email protected]
Sagar Overseas Services
Phone number: 09886021666
E-mail: [email protected]
Sultan International Group
Phone number: 9739397786
E-mail: [email protected]
Mumbai
3N Travel & Tourist Bureau
Phone number: 00912226796088
E-mail: [email protected]
Shukriya Travels Private Limited
Phone number: 00912223471600
E-mail: [email protected]
The Benzy Tours and Travels
Phone number: 00912239816222
E-mail: [email protected]
Makkah Haj Corporation
Phone number: 00912223465963
E-mail: [email protected]
Al Khalid Tours & Travels
Phone number: 00912223011111
E-mail: [email protected]
Al Hafsa Tours & Travels
Phone number: 00912223400250
E-mail: [email protected]
Asfahan Tours & Travels
Phone number: 919930181046
E-mail: [email protected]
Calicut
Safiya Travels
Phone number: 00914952722770
E-mail: [email protected]
Safa Umrah Tours and Travels
Phone number: 00914952701846
E-mail: [email protected]
Salaf Haj Umra Guidance & Service
Phone number: 00914832765100
E-mail: [email protected]
Wandoor Safiya Travels
Phone number: 04931 248398
E-mail: [email protected]
Southern Alliance International Tours & Travels
Phone number: 9324558479
E-mail: [email protected]
Markaz Travel Mart
Phone number: 00914952723831
E-mail: [email protected]
Arabworld Travel and Tradelinks
Phone number: 00914712328386
E-mail: [email protected]
Hyderabad
Al-Azam Tours and Travels
Phone number: 00914066786111
E-mail: [email protected]
Al Mohsin Tours and Travels
Phone number: 00914066804545
E-mail: [email protected]
Arsh Travel Bureau
Phone number: 04023235525
E-mail: [email protected]
Al-Qayyum Tours and Travels
Phone number: 00919866172525
E-mail: [email protected]
Evia Travel
Phone number: 7680902359
E-mail: [email protected]
Muskan Tours and Travel
Phone number: 00918472272783
E-mail: [email protected]
Zahis Travel and Tourism
Phone number: 00914066777600
E-mail: [email protected]
Quba Tours and Travels
Phone number: 9700786786
E-mail: [email protected]
Fahad Tours and Travels
Phone number: 919885929550
E-mail: [email protected]
Al Afifa Tours
Phone number: 00919394779877
E-mail: [email protected]
New Delhi
Alif Travels
Phone number: 00911123719411
E-mail: [email protected]
Alhind Tours and Travels
Phone number: 9496005902
E-mail: [email protected]
Aliya Air Travels
Phone number: 00911204017400
E-mail: [email protected]
Destination India Tours & Travels
Phone number: 00919910111290
E-mail: [email protected]
Musafir Tours & Travels
Phone number: 0096658909077
E-mail: [email protected]
Taqwa Tours Corporation
Phone number: 9810294348
E-mail: [email protected]
Al-Ansar Tours & Travels
Phone number: 00966599989695
E-mail: [email protected]
Al Shahin Tour and Travels
Phone number: 9811675783
E-mail: [email protected]
Al-Aqsa Global Services
Phone number: 00911126983435
E-mail: [email protected]
Shaan International
Phone number: 00919310288871
E-mail: [email protected]
Habib Tours
Phone number: 9899153722
E-mail: [email protected]
Lucknow
United Tours and Travels
Phone Number: 00919935257098
Email: [email protected]
Laraib International Tours and Travels
Phone Number: 00915224003535
Email: [email protected]
Mirza Tour and Travel
Phone Number: 05224067707
Email: [email protected]
Kalaam Tours and Travels
Phone Number: 00919628897628
Email: [email protected]
Makkah Tours & Travels
Phone Number: 9555151887
Email: [email protected]
Sagar Tours and Travels
Phone Number: 2530047
Email: [email protected]
Riaz Tour and Travels
Phone Number: 00919935570058
Email: [email protected]
Shan Enterprises
Phone Number: 00915224004066
Email: [email protected]
To see the full list of approved travel agents, please consult the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah website.
